San Antonio veteran Nicholas Navarro has found a way to turn late-night LEGO sessions into real-world support for fellow service members. Navarro, known for building celebrity portraits out of LEGO bricks, is raffling off a massive 11,520-piece image of Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama to raise money for Hero Hut, a veteran-support nonprofit. The raffle is tied to Hero Hut’s free tailgate at the Valero Alamo Bowl inside the Alamodome on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Tickets cost $5, and all proceeds will go to Hero Hut. Navarro says the intricate work helps him cope with PTSD and gives him a concrete way to give back to his community.
How the raffle works
According to KSAT, each of Navarro’s portraits is built from 11,520 LEGO bricks and takes roughly 60 hours to complete. KSAT reports that raffle tickets are $5 each, and buyers will be entered for a chance to win the completed Wembanyama portrait, with proceeds benefiting Hero Hut. The outlet also links to an online checkout page where tickets can be purchased ahead of the tailgate.
Where and when to go
According to Valero Alamo Bowl, the Hero Hut tailgate at the Alamodome, Parking Lot B, begins at 11 a.m. on Dec. 30 and runs through the game’s halftime. The event will feature free food, drinks, and partner resource groups for veterans and first responders. The event page notes the Bowl’s ongoing partnership with Hero Hut and highlights sponsor activations and on-site services planned for the day. The Alamodome is located at 100 Montana Street in downtown San Antonio.
The person behind the bricks
Navarro, who has said he has struggled with PTSD since leaving the military, told KSAT that building detailed LEGO portraits helps ease his trauma and channels his energy into something creative. “I want to make a difference and make an impact in the community,” he said. Organizers say the raffle is part of a broader push to connect veterans with resources in a welcoming, gameday environment rather than a formal office setting.
What to expect at the tailgate
Beyond the raffle, the tailgate will feature free haircuts and beard trims, sponsor booths, and veteran-service partners such as TVC for Veterans, KSAT reported. Hero Hut’s gameday setup is designed to make support services feel approachable for veterans and their families, with resources available in between bites of barbecue and pregame hype. Those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to follow Valero Alamo Bowl and Hero Hut channels for partnership updates and details on future events.
